A review of antibiotic prophylaxis protocols in oral and maxillofacial surgery

The literature revealed that the penicillin group is the most commonly used antibiotic prior to orthognathic surgery, implant surgery, and the removal of wisdom teeth due to its bactericidal effect and that most common pathogens in the oral cavity are susceptible to the penicillins. A preoperative dose of an antibiotic is recommended for all surgical procedures. In contrast, single and extended postoperative antibiotic use remains controversial among clinicians. Clinicians should tailor their use of postoperative antibiotics as is appropriate for each individual case to avoid inappropriate antibiotic use.